Blackhawks waive Khabibulin

Tuesday

Sep 30, 2008 at 12:01 AMSep 30, 2008 at 1:10 PM

CHICAGO — Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has been put on waivers. Khabibulin is entering the final season of a four-year, $27 million contract. He joined the Blackhawks from Tampa Bay as a free agent after leading the Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup.

Khabibulin is entering the final season of a four-year, $27 million contract. He joined the Blackhawks from Tampa Bay as a free agent after leading the Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks signed free agent goalie Cristobal Huet to a four-year, $22.5 million deal in July, giving them two top goaltenders.

Khabibulin has been inconsistent and injured over the past three seasons. In 2007-08, he appeared in 50 games, posting a 23-20-6 record with a 2.63 goals against average and .909 save percentage.

The Chicago Tribune reported that if another team claims Khabibulin, the Blackhawks won’t be responsible for his salary and will have salary cap room to acquire a second-line center. If he does clear waivers, Chicago could send him to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League and be clear of his salary. He also could be traded.

“We’re going to do what’s best for the Chicago Blackhawks,” general manager Dale Tallon said in August about the two No. 1 goalies. “If that means keeping Nick, we’ll do that. If not, we’ll move on.”

IN OTHER NEWS: RICK NASH had two goals and an assist to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 7-1 preseason victory over the visiting Blackhawks on Monday night.

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